Six killed in Krakow shooting as suspect dies in hospital; terror motive investigated

Suspect dies after attack

Police announced on Monday morning that the 24-year-old suspect had died in hospital. He was a Polish national from Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski. The shooting killed at least six people and injured 15. Police said a British national was among those killed. Five injured foreign nationals came from Britain, Austria, Germany, Portugal and Russia, an interior ministry spokesperson said.

Shooting in Main Market Square

The Małopolska police said the gunman drove into Krakow’s busy Main Market Square at about 3pm on Saturday. He then fired at people from his moving car. Police said the suspect wore tactical clothing and carried a military-style rifle. They believe he used an AR-15. Radio Kielce reported that a military-style backpack, magazines and a bayonet were found in the car’s boot.

Investigators examine motive

Prosecutors said investigators are treating the attack as a terror incident. The shooting was suspected of being inspired by far-right ideology, while the Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime examined the suspect’s online activity for links to radical groups.

Three bodies found at home

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the bodies of two women and one man were found at the suspect’s home, just under 125 miles north of Krakow. Police said on Sunday they were the suspect’s sister, mother and father, and were believed to have been shot.

Police also appealed for blood donations for officer Jakub Kulik, who is fighting for his life in hospital. The force said the senior constable confronted the armed attacker and suffered serious injuries.